They bleed black & gold: 5 decades of Saints superfans

What makes a superfan? Some say it takes an elaborate costume that transforms ordinary sports lovers into iconic characters. Others might include folks like Hazel West, 80, of Kenner, who welcomed the Saints home after their Super Bowl win in 2010; she started going to Saints games when the team began playing in 1967. Either way, Saints fans can be sure they are like no other fans in the NFL.

1969 Press Photo Group of Women Maskers Wearing Saints Shields in New Orleans

NOLA.com | The Times Picayune archive

The original Saintsations, 1969

Before there were Saintsations, there were these Saintsational 1969 fans decked out in Saints earmuffs and shields, with matching black boots and pants.

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Bryan S. Berteaux

Superstar fan, 1975

Superstar fan: Archie and Olivia Manning present actress Carol Channing with a Saints helmet before one of her performances at the Blue Room in 1975.